Former City Councilman, beloved Memphis figure Myron Lowery, dies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Myron Lowery, a longtime dedicated Memphis public servant who spent decades serving the city of Memphis, has passed away, according to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

Lowery, who most recently served as Memphis City Court Clerk from 2020 to 2024, was a well-known figure in local politics and civic life. In 2009, he stepped in as Mayor Pro Tem.

He was also a veteran member and previously chaired the Memphis City Council.

He was born in Columbus, Ohio, and he made Memphis his home.

He made history as the only Memphis official elected to all three branches of city government, and was the longest-serving African American on the council.

Before entering politics, Lowery worked in local television news, where he broke barriers as one of the first Black journalists in the Memphis market. He spent part of his early career as an anchor and reporter at WMC-TV 5.

Each year on New Year’s Day, Lowery and his son, Commissioner Mickell Lowery, hosted an interfaith prayer breakfast — a city tradition centered on unity and reflection.

His family is requesting privacy as they grieve and encourages the community to honor his legacy through service and by supporting LeMoyne-Owen College.

Funeral details will be shared at a later time.

Click here to sign up for our newsletter!

Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.

Copyright 2025 WMC. All rights reserved.